Supporting communication through AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication)
Communication is a basic human right, a need and a critical part of learning.
For some people communicating through speech is difficult, or slow to develop. Many people now use Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems.
These systems supplement or support the spoken element in communication. There are different vocabularies and languages to choose from, so the individual can use the most appropriate system.
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Download AAC
This package contains 12 modules. It aims to help parents, teachers and professionals to support individuals who may benefit from using AAC. The modules are available to download from this page as Pdfs.
Each module stands alone and addresses a specific topic or a particular group of users. However, each module is cross-referenced.
The modules are:
Module 1: Introduction to AAC [pdf 30k]
Module 2: Frequently Asked Questions [pdf 30k]
Our attempt at answering many of the questions we are asked as part of our work.
Module 3: The Nuts and Bolts of AAC [pdf 2Mb]
This is where you will find most of the information that you would expect in this package, although all the other modules cover issues that are essential to the successful introduction and use of AAC.
Module 4: Games and Activities [pdf 1Mb]
This provides lots of ideas on ways of introducing and teaching someone to use AAC. It is not easy to learn a second language, which is what AAC is, and unless it’s fun and quickly successful in helping the user to control their lives and achieve what they want, they will give up or not give it the effort it requires.
Module 5: Accessing Equipment, Books and Charts [pdf 800k]
Without the means of quick and easy access to the resources provided, they will remain unused or be sources of frustration. This module gives lots of ideas that will help you to ensure that the user's access to their system is as easy as possible.
Module 6: Software [pdf 1.6Mb]
This is a broad-ranging module, which provides information on curriculum access and word processing as well as software to support communication and to make professional-looking resources quickly and easily. The next three modules provide curricula to assist in developing the communication abilities of people who will benefit from using AAC, whether they are developing normally other than their ability to communicate through speech, or have additional physical and sensory difficulties.
Module 7: Children within the Foundation Stage [pdf 800k]
This is focussed on the needs of the child in early years environments.
Module 8: Lifelong Learning (section 1) [pdf 500k]
Module 8: Lifelong Learning (section 2) [pdf 800k]
Module 8: Lifelong Learning (section 3) [pdf 500k]
Module 8: Lifelong Learning (section appendix) [pdf 80k]
This is looking at supporting the communication skills of children and adults from when they leave early years settings throughout the development of their skills to become efficient and effective communicators.
Module 9: Children and Adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties [pdf 300k]
Module 10: One School's Approach [pdf 5Mb]
An insight into how the development of the communication skills of children who attend Ingfield Manor School has been addressed. Their school curriculum and the structure of the communication books used are discussed and illustrated in detail.
Module 11: One County's Approach to Supporting AAC in Mainstream Schools [pdf 30k]
Somerset Local Education Authority has developed a county-wide policy to ensure that children with communication difficulties are fully integrated within county schools and are receiving the best services that the county can support. One of their speech and language therapists has written about the development and practice of this policy.
Module 12: Contacts, Web Resources and Discussion Groups [pdf 30k]
Suggestions of where to go for further help, information and discussion.
Whether you are someone who uses AAC, a parent, carer, student, therapist or teacher, we hope that you will find within this package the information or ideas that you are seeking.
Funding for the project to write and produce Supporting Communication through AAC was provided by the DfES (Department for Education and Skills) Small Programmes Fund.
